Snack Stick Producer | Case Study

Snapping into Success: BAK Paddle Mixers Transformed Snack Stick Production Across Four Plants 

Problem: 

A meat processor with multiple facilities was looking to shift their focus toward snack stick production. Their process relied on vacuum mixing tumblers—equipment never designed for the rapid protein extraction snack sticks require. The result was:

 

  • Soft texture and weak “snap” 
  • Uneven color and ingredient distribution 
  • Longer mix times and inconsistent batch quality 


The Solution: BAK Intermeshing Paddle Mixer 


BAK supplied one N&N MIX 650 (~1,100 Lbs)  Intermeshing Paddle Mixer to plant 1. 



Why Paddle Mixers Work for Snack Sticks 

Proper protein extraction creates the “glue” that locks moisture and flavor in place. BAK’s intermeshing paddles from N&N form that sticky mass without overworking the meat, delivering a firm bite after smoking and cooking. 


Business Impact 


  • Portfolio Focus – After seeing the quality improvements, they strategically pivoted their product line toward snack sticks and phased out lower margin SKUs. 
  • Follow On Successes – The initial win triggered a series of larger investments: 
  • Mixing-Grinding Line (Plant 2) – A complete system built around a N&N MIX 1200 (~2,000 Lbs), NOMA W160 grinder, a screw conveyor, and a belt conveyor featuring metal detection. 
  • Additional Paddle Mixers – N&N MIX 900 (Plant 2), second N&N MIX 650 (Plant 3), and a N&N MIX 300 for Plant 4. 


The immediate success of the N&N MIX 650 didn’t just correct a single process—it transformed their entire strategy. BAK helped our customer capitalize on that breakthrough by installing five N&N paddle mixers across four plants, turning the snack stick line into the organization’s primary growth engine and fueling multi-plant expansion. Ongoing purchases have since cemented BAK as their trusted partner for mixing technology. 


About BAK Food Equipment 

From standalone mixers to turnkey mixing grinding lines, BAK helps processors boost yield, cut labor, and elevate product quality. Ready to transform your snack stick program? Contact us today.